Santa Ana advocates urge council to oppose AB 84 and protect charter schools

A passionate plea for the future of Santa Ana's youth dominated the City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, as community members rallied against proposed legislation threatening local charter schools. Wendy Eklund, founder of Legislation Take Action, urged council members to oppose Assembly Bill 84, which she argued would jeopardize educational options for thousands of students in the area.

Eklund highlighted that charter schools serve a diverse range of learners, including those with special needs and multilingual backgrounds, and that the bill could lead to funding cuts and school closures. "This bill removes local flexibility and imposes state-level mandates that don't reflect the needs of this community," she stated, emphasizing the critical role these schools play in providing tailored education.

Rona Yellen, a parent and advocate for non-classroom charter schools, echoed Eklund's concerns, asserting that AB 84 would effectively eliminate independent study charters across California. "When you take away school choice, you don't protect kids. You trap them in a system that doesn't work for all of them," she warned, calling for the council to adopt a resolution opposing the bill.

The urgency of their message was underscored by personal stories shared during the meeting, including the impact of community programs on at-risk youth. Speakers urged the council to recognize the importance of educational diversity and the potential consequences of legislative changes on vulnerable populations.

As the meeting concluded, the council faced mounting pressure to take a stand against AB 84, with advocates emphasizing that their decisions could shape the educational landscape for generations to come. The outcome of this discussion could significantly influence the future of charter schools in Santa Ana, highlighting the ongoing debate over educational equity and access in California.